Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission Goodyear Recreation Campus 420 South Estrella Parkway Goodyear, AZ 85338 |
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CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman Bretthauer at 5:31 pm.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Vice Chairman Rachel Bretthauer; Commissioner John Cox; Commissioner Sharolyn Hohman; Commissioner Kiesha Beard; Commissioner Lisa Paulos; Alternate Yasmine Cornejo
- Absent:
- Chairman Chad Millette; Commissioner Brian Murphy
- Staff Present:
- Parks and Recreation Deputy Director David Seid; Project Manager Zahraa Almayyahi; Parks and Recreation Director David Lopez Jr.; Administrative Assistant Fianna Keeling; Management Assistant Laura Jara; Recreation Coordinator Taylor Snell; Recreation Coordinator Richard Ortiz; Parks Superintendent Jeremy Figueroa
- Attendees:
- Nathan Stewart, Park Ranger, Guylene Ozlanski, Parks and Recreation Deputy Director
MOTION BY Commissioner John Cox, SECONDED BY Commissioner Kiesha Beard to EXCUSE Commissioners Chad Millette and Brian Murphy from the meeting. The motion carried as follows:
- AYE:
- Vice Chairman Rachel Bretthauer, Commissioner John Cox, Commissioner Sharolyn Hohman, Commissioner Kiesha Beard, Commissioner Lisa Paulos
Passed - Unanimously
| PUBLIC COMMENTS |
There were no public comments.
| BUSINESS |
1.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approve the June 11, 2026, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission draft meeting minutes.
Approve the June 11, 2026, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission draft meeting minutes.
MOTION BY Commissioner John Cox, SECONDED BY Commissioner Kiesha Beard to APPROVE the June 11, 2026, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission draft meeting minutes. The motion carried as follows :
- AYE:
- Vice Chairman Rachel Bretthauer, Commissioner John Cox, Commissioner Sharolyn Hohman, Commissioner Kiesha Beard, Commissioner Lisa Paulos
Passed - Unanimously
2.
SUMMER RECAP (TAYLOR SNELL, RECREATION COORDINATOR AND RICHARD ORTIZ, RECREATION COORDINATOR)
Richard Ortiz, Recreation Coordinator, provided a recap of the summer recreation programs.
He reported that this year's summer camps followed a new Safety theme, with each week focusing a different topic. The topics were as follows:
• Week 1: Firehouse Safety
• Week 2: Junior Officers (Crosswalk Safety, Police)
• Week 3: Equal Adventures (Sanitization, Water Conservation, Recycling)
• Week 4: Junior Park Rangers (Park Etiquette, Animal Safety)
• Week 5: Kindness & Cyber Heroes (Cybersafety and Bullying Prevention)
• Week 6: Safe Splash (Water Safety partnership with Aquatics; group swim lesson)
• Week 7: Rec Response Rangers (Emergency Preparedness)
Mr. Ortiz reported that a new camp location at Goodyear High School was introduced this year. He noted that survey results indicated 94% of respondents rated the program above average or excellent. He also stated that weekly newsletters were distributed to parents summarizing camp activities.
Taylor Snell, Recreation Coordinator, provided an overview of aquatic center operations. He reported that swim lessons were offered mornings, evenings, and weekends for ages 6 months to adult, serving 2,089 participants. He noted that safety remained a major focus for both staff and participants. Lessons continue through September 27. Mr. Snell also reviewed the aquatic center's new hours which will allow for increased swim lesson availability, guard training, and pool maintenance.
Mr. Snell reported that the Goodyear Swim Team received the “Best Aquatics Program” award from the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association for innovation, community impact, partnerships, and overall excellence.
Mr. Snell reported that the Goodyear Swim Team won the Arizona Lifeguard Challenge, becoming the first West Valley city to achieve this recognition. Among 20 competing cities, Goodyear placed first in CPR, rescue skills, first aid, lifeguard knowledge, and teamwork.
Aquatics Staffing and Safety Stats:
• 161 lifeguards
• 51 swim instructors
• 28 water rescues
• 99 drills
• 127 audits
• 30+ hours of lifeguard training
• 1,206 safety checks
• Zero maintenance-related closures
•
• Attendance Summary:
• May 2025: 53,724 (12% increase)
• June 2025: 75,197 (7% decrease; likely due to Juneteenth not occurring at GRC)
• July 2026: 65,361 (2% increase)
He reported that this year's summer camps followed a new Safety theme, with each week focusing a different topic. The topics were as follows:
• Week 1: Firehouse Safety
• Week 2: Junior Officers (Crosswalk Safety, Police)
• Week 3: Equal Adventures (Sanitization, Water Conservation, Recycling)
• Week 4: Junior Park Rangers (Park Etiquette, Animal Safety)
• Week 5: Kindness & Cyber Heroes (Cybersafety and Bullying Prevention)
• Week 6: Safe Splash (Water Safety partnership with Aquatics; group swim lesson)
• Week 7: Rec Response Rangers (Emergency Preparedness)
Mr. Ortiz reported that a new camp location at Goodyear High School was introduced this year. He noted that survey results indicated 94% of respondents rated the program above average or excellent. He also stated that weekly newsletters were distributed to parents summarizing camp activities.
Taylor Snell, Recreation Coordinator, provided an overview of aquatic center operations. He reported that swim lessons were offered mornings, evenings, and weekends for ages 6 months to adult, serving 2,089 participants. He noted that safety remained a major focus for both staff and participants. Lessons continue through September 27. Mr. Snell also reviewed the aquatic center's new hours which will allow for increased swim lesson availability, guard training, and pool maintenance.
Mr. Snell reported that the Goodyear Swim Team received the “Best Aquatics Program” award from the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association for innovation, community impact, partnerships, and overall excellence.
Mr. Snell reported that the Goodyear Swim Team won the Arizona Lifeguard Challenge, becoming the first West Valley city to achieve this recognition. Among 20 competing cities, Goodyear placed first in CPR, rescue skills, first aid, lifeguard knowledge, and teamwork.
Aquatics Staffing and Safety Stats:
• 161 lifeguards
• 51 swim instructors
• 28 water rescues
• 99 drills
• 127 audits
• 30+ hours of lifeguard training
• 1,206 safety checks
• Zero maintenance-related closures
•
• Attendance Summary:
• May 2025: 53,724 (12% increase)
• June 2025: 75,197 (7% decrease; likely due to Juneteenth not occurring at GRC)
• July 2026: 65,361 (2% increase)
3.
GRC PHASE II UPDATE (JEREMY FIGUEROA, PARKS SUPERINTENDENT)
Jeremy Figueroa, Parks Superintendent, and Zahraa Almayyahi, Project Manager, presented an update on Phase ll of the Goodyear Recreation Campus (GRC).
Phase ll will expand the campus to 86 acres, establishing GRC as Goodyear’s first regional park. The design phase began in March 2026 and will continue through February 2028, with construction scheduled from April 2028 to October 2030.
Mr. Figueroa reviewed the proposed concept for Phase ll, which includes four additional pickleball courts, a new splash pad, two official-size soccer fields, four Little League fields, a Parks and Recreation administration building, a potential art plaza, and two dog parks. Watering options could possibly utilize Roosevelt Irrigation District water and provide storage capacity for the entire campus. Concept imagery is currently being developed to support the vision of an inviting regional park.
Ms. Almayyahi outlined upcoming milestones in the design process:
• October 2026 – 30% Design Review with Council
• April 2027 – 60% Design
• April/May 2027 – 60% Design presentation to PRAC
Ms. Almayyahi also highlighted three topics identified for Council update: water source and storage recommendations, parking needs for visitors, and staffing considerations for the expanded campus.
Commissioners inquired about the public sensitivity surrounding water use for the proposed irrigation pond. David Seid, Deputy Director, explained the process of working with Roosevelt Irrigation District potable water, noting that the city is taking all precautions to ensure responsible and resourceful usage. The water source would support non-potable storage, irrigation needs throughout Phase ll, and recreation programs as appropriate.
Phase ll will expand the campus to 86 acres, establishing GRC as Goodyear’s first regional park. The design phase began in March 2026 and will continue through February 2028, with construction scheduled from April 2028 to October 2030.
Mr. Figueroa reviewed the proposed concept for Phase ll, which includes four additional pickleball courts, a new splash pad, two official-size soccer fields, four Little League fields, a Parks and Recreation administration building, a potential art plaza, and two dog parks. Watering options could possibly utilize Roosevelt Irrigation District water and provide storage capacity for the entire campus. Concept imagery is currently being developed to support the vision of an inviting regional park.
Ms. Almayyahi outlined upcoming milestones in the design process:
• October 2026 – 30% Design Review with Council
• April 2027 – 60% Design
• April/May 2027 – 60% Design presentation to PRAC
Ms. Almayyahi also highlighted three topics identified for Council update: water source and storage recommendations, parking needs for visitors, and staffing considerations for the expanded campus.
Commissioners inquired about the public sensitivity surrounding water use for the proposed irrigation pond. David Seid, Deputy Director, explained the process of working with Roosevelt Irrigation District potable water, noting that the city is taking all precautions to ensure responsible and resourceful usage. The water source would support non-potable storage, irrigation needs throughout Phase ll, and recreation programs as appropriate.
4.
TWO-MONTH "LOOK AHEAD" (DAVID SEID, PARKS & RECREATION DEPUTY DIRECTOR)
David Seid, Deputy Director, presented a “Two-Month Look Ahead” of upcoming department events, including:
• Ballet Under the Stars – September 25
• Rock the BBQ – October 3
• Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission – October 8
• Ritmos y Raices (Rhythm and Roots) – October 10
• Movie in the Park: Toy Story 5 – October 17
• Fall Festival – October 24
Mr. Seid provided an update on certified election results, noting the re-election of Council-member Sheri Lauritano.
• Ballet Under the Stars – September 25
• Rock the BBQ – October 3
• Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission – October 8
• Ritmos y Raices (Rhythm and Roots) – October 10
• Movie in the Park: Toy Story 5 – October 17
• Fall Festival – October 24
Mr. Seid provided an update on certified election results, noting the re-election of Council-member Sheri Lauritano.
| INFORMATION ITEMS |
Commissioners asked about E-bike notices and pamphlets distributed throughout the community. Park Ranger, Nathan Stewart, responded that current materials are intended to build safety awareness and educate riders on proper E-bike use. He noted an increase in E-bike activity since the beginning of the school year. The police department is offering informational seminars on E-bike safety at three locations throughout Goodyear.
Commissioners provided positive feedback regarding staff efforts and department leadership.
Commissioners provided positive feedback regarding staff efforts and department leadership.
| FUTURE MEETINGS |
October 8, 2026, at 5:30 PM
December 10, 2026, at 5:30 PM
| ADJOURNMENT |
There being no further business to discuss, Vice Chairman Bretthauer adjourned the meeting at 6:39 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by:
Respectfully Submitted by:
__________________________ Fianna Keeling, Board Secretary |
Date:___________________ Approved at Parks & Recreation Advisory Meeting held on __________, 2026. |